Photo-activatable formulation applicator

ABSTRACT

An applicator device includes a photo-active formulation assembly and a photo-dose assembly operably coupled to the photo-active formulation assembly. The photo-active formulation assembly includes a dispenser portion and one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs. The photo-active formulation assembly is operable to dispense a photo-activatable formulation from the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs onto one or more regions of a biological surface. The photo-dose assembly includes at least one illuminator oriented to focus electromagnetic energy onto one or more focal regions of a biological surface. The focused electromagnetic energy is of a character and for a duration sufficient to photo-activate the photo-activatable formulation dispensed from the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In one embodiment, an applicator device includes a photo-activeformulation assembly and a photo-dose assembly operably coupled to thephoto-active formulation assembly. The photo-active formulation assemblyincludes a dispenser portion and one or more photo-activatableformulation reservoirs. The photo-active formulation assembly isoperable to dispense a photo-activatable formulation from the one ormore photo-activatable formulation reservoirs onto one or more regionsof a biological surface. The photo-dose assembly includes at least oneilluminator oriented to focus electromagnetic energy onto one or morefocal regions of a biological surface. The focused electromagneticenergy is of a character and for a duration sufficient to photo-activatethe photo-activatable formulation dispensed from the one or morephoto-activatable formulation reservoirs.

In one example, the photo-active formulation assembly includes at leastone replaceable formulation cartridge. In another example, thephoto-active formulation includes one or more photo-active polymers,photo-active oligomers, photo-active monomers, cross-linkable polymers,and the like. In another example, the photo-active formulation assemblyincludes one or more photo-curable materials. In another example, thephoto-dose assembly includes a light ring proximate the dispenserportion.

In an embodiment, the photo-dose assembly includes at least onewaveguide structure. In an embodiment, photo-dose assembly includes oneor more waveguides structures configured to direct an emittedelectromagnetic energy stimulus to one or more focal regions of abiological surface. Non-limiting examples of waveguide structuresinclude electromagnetic energy waveguides, acoustic energy waveguides(e.g., ultrasonic energy waveguides), optical energy waveguides (e.g.,optical fibers, photonic-crystal fibers, or the like), radiationwaveguides, thermal energy waveguides, and the like. Furthernon-limiting examples of waveguides structures include diffractiveelements (e.g., gratings, cross-gratings, or the like), diffusingelements, etchings, facets, grooves, lens structures, light-diffusingstructures, mirrored structures, mirrored surfaces, opticalmicro-prisms, lenses (e.g., micro-lenses or the like), reflectivecoatings, reflective materials, reflective surfaces, texturing,thin-films, and the like, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment,the waveguide structure comprises structures suitable for directingelectromagnetic energy waves.

In an embodiment, the waveguide structure comprises at least one of atransparent, translucent, or light-transmitting material, andcombinations or composites thereof. Non-limiting examples oftransparent, translucent, or light-transmitting materials include thosematerials that offer a low optical attenuation rate to the transmissionor propagation of light waves. Further non-limiting examples oftransparent, translucent, or light-transmitting materials includeborosilicate glasses, crystals, epoxies, glasses, optically clearmaterials, plastics, polymers, resins, semi-clear materials, thermalresins, thermo plastics, and the like, and combinations or compositesthereof.

In another example, the photo-dose assembly 26 includes a plurality ofwaveguide structures. In another example, the photo-active formulationassembly includes a roller assembly for dispensing the photo-activatableformulation onto the one or more regions of the biological surface andthe photo-dose assembly includes a light ring proximate the rollerassembly. In an embodiment, the photo-dose assembly includes one or morewaveguides. In an embodiment, the roller assembly comprises one or morewaveguides.

In another example, the photo-dose assembly is configured to modify aspectral parameter based on information indicative of a photo-curingcomposition type. For example, during operation, the photo-dose assemblyincludes circuitry configured to modify one more parameters associatedwith emission intensity, emission phase, emission polarization, emissionwavelength (e.g., a peak emission wavelength, a radiation wavelength, anaverage emission wavelength, or the like), pulse frequency, and the likeresponsive to one or more inputs indicative of a photo-curingcomposition type.

In another example, the spectral parameter includes one or more of awavelength of the focused electromagnetic energy, an intensity of thefocused electromagnetic energy, or a duration of the focusedelectromagnetic energy. In another example, the photo-active formulationassembly dispenses the photo-activatable formulation from the one ormore photo-activatable formulation reservoirs onto the one or moreregions of a biological surface at rate commensurate with a photo-curingrate.

In another example, the at least one illuminator is arranged concentricabout the dispenser portion of the photo-active formulation assembly. Inanother example, the electromagnetic energy is selected based on thephoto-activatable formulation in the one or more photo-activatableformulation reservoirs. In another example, the focused electromagneticenergy comprises electromagnetic energy at a plurality of wavelengths,and wherein the plurality of wavelengths are operable to photo-activatea plurality of coatings of photo-activatable formulations. In anotherexample, the photo-active formulation assembly includes at least onephoto-activatable formulation nebulizer.

In another embodiment, a method of applying a photo-activatableformulation includes dispensing, by a dispenser portion of aphoto-active formulation assembly, photo-activatable formulation fromone or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs onto one or moreregions of a biological surface and focusing, by a photo-dose assemblyoperably coupled to the photo-active formulation assembly,electromagnetic energy from at least one illuminator onto one or morefocal regions of the biological surface. The focused electromagneticenergy is of a character and for a duration sufficient to photo-activatethe photo-activatable formulation dispensed from the one or morephoto-activatable formulation reservoirs.

In one example, the photo-active formulation assembly is a part of areplaceable formulation cartridge, and wherein dispensing thephoto-activatable formulation includes dispensing the photo-activatableformulation from the replaceable formulation cartridge. In anotherexample, the method further includes removing the replaceableformulation cartridge from an applicator that includes the photo-doseassembly, coupling a second replaceable formulation cartridge to theapplicator, and dispensing, from the second replaceable formulationcartridge, a second photo-activatable formulation onto the one or moreregions of the biological surface. In another example, the methodfurther includes focusing, by the photo-dose assembly, electromagneticenergy from the at least one illuminator onto the one or more focalregions of the biological surface, the focused electromagnetic energy ofa character and for a duration sufficient to photo-activate the secondphoto-activatable formulation dispensed from the second replaceableformulation cartridge.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same become betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description, whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an applicator fordispensing photo-activatable formulations and photo-activating thedispensed photo-activatable formulations, in accordance with embodimentsdescribed herein;

FIG. 2 depicts another perspective view of the embodiment of theapplicator depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments describedherein;

FIG. 3 depicts a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of theapplicator depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments describedherein;

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict side and perspective exploded views, respectively,of the embodiment of the applicator depicted in FIG. 1, in accordancewith embodiments described herein;

FIG. 6 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of adispenser end of the applicator depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance withembodiments described herein;

FIG. 7 depicts an end view of an embodiment of a dispenser end of theembodiment of the applicator depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance withembodiments described herein;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the embodiment of the applicatordepicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of a method of applying a photo-activatableformulation, which can be performed using embodiments of applicatorscapable of dispensing and photo-activating photo-activatableformulations described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Formulation applicators are used to apply formulations to skin and otherbiological surfaces. The ability to apply a formulation from anapplicator can be especially convenient for users. Other formulationcontainers, such as jars, bottles, and the like, lead to waste amountsof formulation in the containers and reduced usable life of formulationfrom exposure to air and other environmental factors. Formulationsapplied to skin include makeup, personal soaps, skin care products, haircare products or other any other cosmetic products.

Some formulations have been developed to be activated by light or otherelectromagnetic energy. These formulations, sometimes calledphoto-activatable formulations, are photo-activatable in some manner byexposure to electromagnetic energy of a particular character and for aparticular duration. In some examples, activation of thephoto-activatable formulations includes material changes of thephoto-activatable formulations, reactions of the photo-activatableformulations, or any other type of action or change by thephoto-activatable formulations. In an embodiment, material changes ofthe photo-activatable formulations include changes in viscosityresponsive to an electromagnetic energy stimulus. In some examples, amaterial change or reaction includes cross-linking, controlled release,or radical generation. When the photo-activatable formulations areexposed to electromagnetic energy at the activation wavelength, theelectromagnetic energy activates the photo-activatable formulations,causing the change or action. In some examples, the activationwavelength is a specific wavelength or a range of wavelengths. In otherexamples, the photo-active formulation includes at least one ofphoto-active polymers, photo-active oligomers, photo-active monomers,cross-linkable polymers, or photo-curable materials (see “optionalphoto-curable materials 69” in FIG. 6).

Some examples of photo-activatable formulations include cross-linkedpolymers and oligomers for foundation, lipstick, nail polish, dermalcovers, dermal fillers, and other cosmetic formulations. Severalexamples of cross-linked polymers and oligomers include photo-radicalinitiated polyethylene glycol acrylates and photo-crosslinkablestilbazole (SbQ) functionalized backbones (SMA-SbQ, PVA-SbQ). In oneexample, some PVA-SbQ materials are efficiently crosslinked usingultraviolet electromagnetic energy at a wavelength of 365 nm. Otherformulations are being developed that are designed to crosslink atlonger wavelengths into the visible portion of the spectrum (i.e., withwavelengths greater than 400 nm).

Examples of photo-activatable formulations are described in greaterdetail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0171083, entitled“Photo-Curable Cosmetic Compositions”; U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0139924, entitled “Fast Curing CosmeticCompositions for Tack Free Surface Photocuring of RadicallyPolymerizable Resins with UV-LED”; U.S. Pat. No. 8,734,772, entitled“Photo-Curable Resin for Cosmetic Application”; and InternationalPublication No. WO 2013/190469, entitled “Cosmetic Process for Making Upand/or Caring for the Lips,” the contents of each of which areincorporated herein by reference.

Depicted in FIGS. 1 to 8 are embodiments of an applicator 20 fordispensing photo-activatable formulations and activating the dispensedphoto-activatable formulations. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict perspective viewsof embodiments of the applicator 20. FIG. 3 depicts a sidecross-sectional view of embodiments of the applicator 20. FIGS. 4 and 5depict side and perspective exploded views, respectively, of embodimentsof the applicator 20. FIG. 6 depicts a partial cross-sectional view ofan embodiment of a dispenser end of the applicator 20. FIG. 7 depicts anend view of an embodiment of a dispenser end of the applicator 20. FIG.8 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the applicator 20.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the applicator 20 includes a photo-activeformulation assembly 22. The photo-active formulation assembly 22includes a dispenser portion 24 operable to dispense a photo-activatableformulation onto one or more regions of a biological surface (e.g., aportion of skin). In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,the dispenser portion 24 is a ball dispenser. In some examples, the ballof the ball dispenser is a metal ball, a ceramic ball, or a polymerball. In some embodiments, the dispenser portion 24 comprises adispenser having a regular or irregular cross-sectional geometry. Insome embodiments, the dispenser portion 24 comprises a dispenser havinga spheroid geometric shape, a cylindrical shape, and the like. In someembodiments, the dispenser portion 24 comprises a textured surface. Insome embodiments, the dispenser portion 24 comprises a surface having atleast one hydrophobic coating, hydrophilic coating, and the like. Insome embodiments, the dispenser portion 24 comprises a surface materialhaving a coefficients of friction ranging from about 0.15 to about 0.3.In some embodiments, the dispenser portion 24 comprises a surfacematerial having a coefficients of friction ranging from about 0.005 to0.2.

In some embodiments, as discussed in greater detail below, theapplicator 20 includes one or more photo-activatable formulationreservoirs from which the photo-activatable formulation is dispensedonto one or more regions of a biological surface.

The applicator 20 also includes a photo-dose assembly 26 operablycoupled to the photo-active formulation assembly 22. As discussed ingreater detail below, the photo-dose assembly 26 includes at least oneilluminator oriented to focus electromagnetic energy onto one or morefocal regions of a biological surface. The focused electromagneticenergy from the photo-dose assembly 26 is of a character and for aduration sufficient to photo-activate the photo-activatable formulationdispensed from the photo-active formulation assembly 22.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the photo-dose assembly 26includes a light ring 28 located substantially concentric with thephoto-active formulation assembly 22. The light ring 28 is also locatedsuch that electromagnetic energy emitted from at least one illuminatorof the photo-dose assembly 26 passes through the light ring 28 and isdirected toward one or more focal regions of a biological surface. Inone embodiment, a spectral parameter type (e.g., a wavelength, anintensity, or a duration) of the electromagnetic energy emitted by thephoto-dose assembly 26 is selected based on information indicative of aphoto-curing composition type. In some embodiments, the light ring 28 isconfigured to focus the electromagnetic energy emitted by the at leastone illuminator and includes one or more of a lens, a diffuser, or agrating.

The applicator 20 also includes a housing 30. In one example, thehousing 30 holds the photo-active formulation assembly 22 and thephoto-dose assembly 26 such that at least one illuminator of thephoto-dose assembly 26 is oriented to focus electromagnetic energy ontoone or more focal regions of a biological surface with the focusedelectromagnetic energy of a character and for a duration sufficient tophoto-activate the photo-activatable formulation dispensed from one ormore photo-activatable formulation reservoirs of the photo-activeformulation assembly 22. In some embodiments, the applicator 20 alsoincludes features, such as an activator such as a button 32 or grips 34,to aid in use of the applicator 20 by a user. For example, in oneembodiment, the button 32 is power button on an end opposite thephoto-active formulation assembly 22 and configured to toggle power tothe photo-dose assembly 26. In another embodiment, the housing 30 alsoincludes grips 34 that add to the convenience for a user to grip theapplicator 20.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 to 5, the photo-dose assembly 26 of theapplicator 20 includes at least one illuminator 36. Non-limitingexamples of illuminators 36 include arc flashlamps, cavity resonators,continuous wave bulbs, electric circuits, electrical conductors,electromagnetic energy emitting emitters, electromagnetic radiationemitters, electro-mechanical components, electro-opto components,incandescent emitters, laser diodes, lasers, light-emitting diodes(e.g., organic light-emitting diodes, polymer light-emitting diodes,polymer phosphorescent light-emitting diodes, microcavity light-emittingdiodes, high-efficiency light-emitting diodes, and the like), quantumdots, and the like.

In one example, the at least one illuminator 36 is a source ofelectromagnetic energy, such as a light emitting diode (LED). In thedepicted example, the at least one illuminator 36 includes six LEDs;however, the at least one illuminator 36 may include any number ofilluminators, such as a single illuminator or a plurality ofilluminators. The at least one illuminator 36 is arranged to focuselectromagnetic energy onto one or more focal regions of a biologicalsurface of a character and for a duration sufficient to photo-activatethe photo-activatable formulation dispensed from one or morephoto-activatable formulation reservoirs of the photo-active formulationassembly 22. In one example, the at least one illuminator 36 includes apatterned illuminator having a plurality of spaced-apart electromagneticenergy emitting elements.

In one embodiment, one or more spectral parameters of theelectromagnetic energy emitted by the at least one illuminator 36 (e.g.,a wavelength of the electromagnetic energy, an intensity of theelectromagnetic energy, a duration of the electromagnetic energy, andthe like) are selected based on a particular photo-activatableformulation. In one embodiment, the at least one illuminator 36 includesat least one LED that includes III-V semiconductor materials or III-Nsemiconductor materials. With III-V and III-N LED technology,wavelengths are available from the ultraviolet range (i.e., from about10 nm to about 400 nm), through the visible range (i.e., from about 400nm to about 700 nm), and into the infrared range (from about 700 nm toabout 1 mm) of the electromagnetic spectrum. The power density anddimensions of these devices also cover a wide range.

In an embodiment, a plurality of illuminators are configured to emitradiation having one or more peak emission wavelengths in the infrared,visible, or ultraviolet spectrum, or combinations thereof. For example,during operation, at least illuminator 36 comprises a peak emissionwavelength ranging from about 700 nanometers to about 1 millimeter. Inan embodiment, at least one illuminator 36 comprises a peak emissionwavelength ranging from about 5 micrometers to about 10 micrometers. Inan embodiment, at least on illuminator 36 comprises a peak emissionwavelength ranging from about 400 nanometers to about 700 nanometers.

In an embodiment, a the photo-dose assembly 26 includes circuitryconfigured to vary one or more of emission intensity, emission phase,emission polarization, emission wavelength (e.g., a peak emissionwavelength, a radiation wavelength, an average emission wavelength, orthe like), pulse frequency, and the like.

In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the photo-doseassembly 26 also includes at least one waveguide structure 38. In thedepicted embodiment, the at least one illuminator 36 is arranged to emitelectromagnetic energy toward the at least one waveguide structure 38.The at least one waveguide structure 38 is configured to transmit theelectromagnetic energy from the at least one illuminator 36. In theparticular embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the at least one waveguidestructure 38 includes six electromagnetic energy pipes. In someexamples, the at least one waveguide structure 38 is formed fromsegmented glass, polymer, or any other material that can transmitelectromagnetic energy. In one embodiment, the number of at least onewaveguide structure 38 is equal to a number of the at least oneilluminator 36; however, differing numbers of the at least oneilluminator 36 and the at least one waveguide structure 38 are possible.In one embodiment, the numbers of the at least one illuminator 36 andthe at least one waveguide structure 38 are selected based on based on asize of the applicator 20, light flux requirements of photo-activatableformulations, or any other factor.

In the depicted embodiment, the source of electromagnetic energy alsoincludes the light ring 28. The at least one waveguide structure 38 areconfigured to transmit the electromagnetic energy from the at least oneilluminator 36 to the light ring 28. One or both of the at least onewaveguide structure 38 or the light ring 28 is configured to focus theelectromagnetic energy and the photo-dose assembly 26 is oriented todirect the focused electromagnetic energy to one or more focal regionsof a biological surface to photo-activate photo-activatable formulationdispensed from the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs.

In some embodiments, the applicator 20 also includes a controller 40,such as control circuitry, for the at least one illuminator 36. In oneexample, the controller 40 controls power to the at least oneilluminator 36. In another example, the controller 40 modifies aspectral parameter of the electromagnetic energy emitted from the atleast one illuminator 36 (e.g., wavelength, intensity, duration, and thelike) based on information indicative of a photo-curing compositiontype, photo-curing protocol, and the like. In another example, thecontroller 40 modifies a parameter associated with an illuminationtemporal pattern, an illumination spaced-apart pattern, and the likebased on information indicative of a photo-curing protocol.

In some examples, the controller 40 modifies a spectral parameter of theelectromagnetic energy emitted from the at least one illuminator 36 suchthat the emitted electromagnetic energy is configured to photo-activatethe dispensed photo-activatable formulation on the one or more regionsof a biological surface.

In some embodiments, the applicator 20 also includes a power source 42,such as a rechargeable battery. In an embodiment, the applicator 20includes one or more power sources 42. Non-limiting examples of powersources include one or more button cells, chemical battery cells, a fuelcell, secondary cells, lithium ion cells, micro-electric patches, nickelmetal hydride cells, silver-zinc cells, capacitors, super-capacitors,thin film secondary cells, ultra-capacitors, zinc-air cells, or thelike. Further non-limiting examples of power sources include one or moregenerators (e.g., electrical generators, thermo energy-to-electricalenergy generators, mechanical-energy-to-electrical energy generators,micro-generators, nano-generators, or the like) such as, for example,thermoelectric generators, piezoelectric generators, electromechanicalgenerators, or the like. In an embodiment, the power source includes atleast one rechargeable power source. In an embodiment, the power sourceincludes one or more micro-batteries, printed micro-batteries, thin filmbatteries, fuel cells (e.g., biofuel cells, chemical fuel cells etc.),and the like

The power source 42 is configured to provide power to the at least oneilluminator 36. In one embodiment, the applicator includes a powercontroller 44. In some examples, the power controller 44 includes one ormore of a charging coil, a charging circuit, or an actuator for thepower button 32. In the embodiment where the power controller 44includes a charging coil, the charging coil permits the power source 42to be recharged inductively. In one example, the applicator 20 isrecharged when placed in a cradle configured to inductively recharge thepower source 42 of the applicator 20.

In some embodiments, the applicator 20 also includes one or morephoto-activatable formulation reservoirs 46 that hold photo-activatableformulation 48. The photo-active formulation assembly 22 is arranged todispense the photo-activatable formulation 48 to a one or more regionsof a biological surface. For example, in the depicted embodiment, thephoto-active formulation assembly 22 is a roller assembly for dispensingthe photo-activatable formulation onto the one or more regions of abiological surface. As the roller assembly is rolled over one or moreregions of a biological surface, an amount of the photo-activatableformulation 48 is dispensed to the one or more regions of a biologicalsurface. In one embodiment, the roller assembly is a waveguide thatguides electromagnetic energy from the photo-dose assembly 26. Inanother embodiment, photo-active formulation assembly 22 dispenses thephoto-activatable formulation 48 from the one or more photo-activatableformulation reservoirs 46 onto one or more regions of a biologicalsurface at rate commensurate with a photo-curing rate of thephoto-activatable formulation 48. In another embodiment, thephoto-active formulation assembly 22 includes at least onephoto-activatable formulation nebulizer (see “optional nebulizer 59” inFIG. 5). In one example, the photo-activatable formulation nebulizerdelivers the photo-activatable formulation 48 in the form of a mist whenthe photo-active formulation assembly 22 dispenses the photo-activatableformulation 48.

In one embodiment, the one or more photo-activatable formulationreservoirs 46 are configured to limit exposure of the photo-activatableformulation 48 to electromagnetic energy prior to the photo-activatableformulation 48 being dispensed to the one or more regions of abiological surface. Limiting exposure of the photo-activatableformulation 48 to electromagnetic energy prior to being dispensedreduces the possibility that the photo-activatable formulation 48 willbe activated before it is dispensed. In one embodiment, the one or morephoto-activatable formulation reservoirs 46 are formed integrally withthe applicator 20. In another embodiment, as discussed below, the one ormore photo-activatable formulation reservoirs 46 are removable from theapplicator 20.

In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3 to 6 and FIG. 8, the photo-activeformulation assembly 22, including the one or more photo-activatableformulation reservoirs 46 and the photo-activatable formulation 48, arecontained within a replaceable formulation cartridge 50. In oneembodiment, the replaceable formulation cartridge 50 is removablycouplable to the applicator 20. In the example where the at least oneilluminator 36 is fixed in the applicator 20, the photo-activeformulation assembly 22 is also removably couplable to the photo-doseassembly 26. In the depicted embodiment, the replaceable formulationcartridge 50 includes external threads that engage internal threads of astructural member 52 of the applicator 20. In other embodiments, thereplaceable formulation cartridge 50 is removably couplable to theapplicator 20 by other mechanisms, such as a snap connector, a magneticcoupling, or any other releasable coupling mechanism.

This interchangeability of formulation cartridges allows a user tocouple the replaceable formulation cartridge 50 to the source ofelectromagnetic energy, dispense the photo-activatable formulation 48from the replaceable formulation cartridge 50 to a one or more regionsof a biological surface, and focus electromagnetic energy onto one ormore focal regions of a biological surface (e.g., by the at least oneilluminator 36) to activate the photo-activatable formulation 48dispensed on the one or more regions of the biological surface. Thereplaceable formulation cartridge 50 can then be removed from theapplicator 20 and then a different formulation cartridge can be coupledto the applicator 20. This interchangeability of formulation cartridgesallows different photo-active assemblies to be used with thephoto-dosing assembly 26. In practice, a user is able to dispensedifferent photo-activatable formulations from different formulationcartridges and activate the different photo-activatable formulationsusing the same photo-dosing assembly 26 of the applicator 20. It alsoallows the formulation cartridges to be disposable items while the otherportions of the applicator 20 are used over a longer period of time. Inone embodiment, focused electromagnetic energy from the photo-doseassembly 26 comprises electromagnetic energy at multiple wavelengthswhere the multiple wavelengths are operable to photo-activate multiplecoatings of photo-activatable formulations.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3 to 5, the at least one illuminator36 is located at an end of the replaceable formulation cartridge 50opposite the dispenser portion 24. This positioning places the at leastone illuminator 36 away from the area where the replaceable formulationcartridge 50 is inserted into and coupled to the applicator 20 so thatthe at least one illuminator 36 is not damaged or misaligned by thecoupling or decoupling of the replaceable formulation cartridge 50. Thispositioning also places the at least one illuminator 36 closer to thepower source 42. While the at least one illuminator 36 is located at anend of the replaceable formulation cartridge 50 opposite thephoto-active formulation assembly 22, the at least one waveguidestructure 34 and the light ring 28 are arranged to transmit theelectromagnetic energy from the at least one illuminator 36 and emit thefocused electromagnetic energy toward the one or more regions of abiological surface where the photo-activatable formulation 48 has beendispensed.

In one embodiment, where the replaceable formulation cartridge 50 isremovably couplable to the applicator 20, the replaceable formulationcartridge 50 includes an identifier. In some examples, the identifieridentifies one or more of the replaceable formulation cartridge 50, thephoto-activatable formulation 48 inside the replaceable formulationcartridge 50, an activation wavelength of the photo-activatableformulation 48 inside the replaceable formulation cartridge 50, anactivation power of the photo-activatable formulation 48 inside thereplaceable formulation cartridge 50, or any other information about thephoto-activatable formulation 48 or the replaceable formulationcartridge 50. In some examples, the identifier has the form of one ormore of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a color on thereplaceable formulation cartridge 50, a barcode on the replaceableformulation cartridge 50, printed information on the replaceableformulation cartridge 50, or any other kind of identifier.

In some embodiments, one or more spectral parameters of the source ofelectromagnetic energy are variable. In one example, the at least oneilluminator 36 includes a plurality of illuminators having differentwavelengths that can be powered separately. In another example, the atleast one illuminator 36 is capable of being powered at different levelsof power. In yet another example, the controller 40 controls the one ormore spectral parameters of the at least one illuminator 36. In oneembodiment, where the characteristics of the source of electromagneticenergy are variable and the replaceable formulation cartridge 50includes an identifier, one or more spectral parameters of the source ofelectromagnetic energy are modified based on the identifier of thereplaceable formulation cartridge 50. For example, the identifier mayindicate that the photo-activatable formulation 48 has an activationwavelength of 365 nm and the source of electromagnetic energy isadjusted to emit electromagnetic energy at about 365 nm when thereplaceable formulation cartridge 50 is coupled to the applicator 20.

In the end view of the applicator 20 depicted in FIG. 7, the dispenserportion 24 of the photo-active formulation assembly 22 is shown as beinglocated substantially concentrically with the light ring 28. In thisarrangement, the electromagnetic energy emitted from the light ring 28surrounds the area of the photo-active formulation assembly 22. Thisincreases the likelihood that any photo-activatable formulationdispensed by the photo-active formulation assembly 22 will be exposed tofocused electromagnetic energy emitted from the light ring 28. Theproximity of the light ring 28 to the photo-active formulation assembly22 also decreases the time between the dispensing of thephoto-activatable formulation by the photo-active formulation assembly22 and the exposure of the dispensed photo-activatable formulation tothe focused electromagnetic energy emitted by the light ring 28.

The benefits of the embodiments of the applicator 20 described hereininclude that the photo-activatable formulation is dispensed from andactivated by a single, self-contained unit. Conventional formulationapplicators dispense formulations but do not include sources ofelectromagnetic energy. Thus, even if a conventional formulationapplicator was used to dispense a photo-activatable formulation, aseparate light device would be required to expose the photo-activatableformulation to the appropriate electromagnetic energy. The two-stepprocess of applying the photo-activatable formulation with an applicatorand activating the photo-activatable formulation with a separate lightsource is cumbersome for the user and risks improper application and/oractivation of the photo-activatable formulation. In contrast to theissues with conventional formulation applicators, the embodiments of theapplicator 20 described herein limit exposure of the photo-activatableformulation to electromagnetic energy before the photo-activatableformulation is dispensed, reduce the time period between applying thephoto-activatable formulation to the one or more regions of a biologicalsurface and activating the photo-activatable formulation usingelectromagnetic energy, and emit activating electromagnetic energy inclose proximity to the location where the photo-activatable formulationis dispensed.

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of a method 60 of applying aphoto-activatable formulation, which can be performed using embodimentsof applicators capable of dispensing and photo-activatingphoto-activatable formulations described herein. At block 62,photo-activatable formulation is dispensed by a dispenser portion of aphoto-active formulation assembly from one or more photo-activatableformulation reservoirs onto one or more regions of a biological surface.At block 64, electromagnetic energy is focused by a photo-dose assemblyoperably coupled to the photo-active formulation assembly from at leastone illuminator onto one or more focal regions of the biologicalsurface. The focused electromagnetic energy is of a character and for aduration sufficient to photo-activate the photo-activatable formulationdispensed from the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs.In one embodiment, the method 60 includes the steps depicted in blocks62 and 64.

In an embodiment, the method 60 includes generating an electromagneticenergy stimulus responsive to one or more inputs indicative of aphoto-curing composition type. For example, during operation theapplicator 20 is operable to detect information about a formulationwithin a reservoir, cartridge, and the like, and to adjust one or morephoto-curing parameters (e.g., a wavelength of the electromagneticenergy, an intensity of the electromagnetic energy, a duration of theelectromagnetic energy, and the like) based on the detected information.

In an embodiment, the method 60 includes varying in real time one ormore photo-curing parameters (e.g., a peak emission wavelength of theelectromagnetic energy, an intensity of the electromagnetic energy, aduration of the electromagnetic energy, and the like) based on adetected measurement indicative of a curing rate.

In an embodiment, the method 60 includes varying one or morephoto-curing parameters (e.g., a peak emission wavelength of theelectromagnetic energy, an intensity of the electromagnetic energy, aduration of the electromagnetic energy, and the like) based on adetected measurement indicative of a photo-activatable formulationdispensing rate.

In an embodiment, the method 60 includes varying one or morephoto-curing parameters (e.g., a peak emission wavelength of theelectromagnetic energy, an intensity of the electromagnetic energy, aduration of the electromagnetic energy, and the like) based on adetected measurement indicative of which cartridge is dispensingphoto-activatable formulation.

In an embodiment, the method 60 includes generating the focusedelectromagnetic energy responsive to one or more inputs indicative of aphoto-curing protocol associated with a formulation within a reservoir,cartridge, and the like.

The method 60 optionally includes the steps depicted in blocks 66, 68,and 70. At block 66, the replaceable formulation cartridge is removedfrom an applicator that includes the photo-dose assembly. At block 68, asecond replaceable formulation cartridge is coupled to the applicator.At block 70, a second photo-activatable formulation is dispensed fromthe second replaceable formulation cartridge onto the one or moreregions of the biological surface. The steps depicted in blocks 66, 68,and 70 permit the applicator that includes the photo-dose assembly to beused with multiple replaceable formulation cartridges. In one example,this ability permits a user to dispense and photo-activate multiplephoto-activatable formulations using the same applicator. As discussedabove, in some embodiments, the applicator is configured to modify oneor more spectral parameters of the electromagnetic energy from thephoto-dose assembly based on the different replaceable formulationcartridges coupled to the applicator and/or the differentphoto-activatable formulations dispensed from the replaceableformulation cartridges.

It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, terminologysuch as “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inwardly,”“outwardly,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” “rear,” etc., should beconstrued as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimedsubject matter. Further, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or“having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the itemslisted thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and“mounted” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompassdirect and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation ofthe present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description.However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to beprotected are not to be construed as limited to the particularembodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are tobe regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will beappreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, andequivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all suchvariations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure, as claimed.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. An applicator device,comprising: a photo-active formulation assembly including a dispenserportion and one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs, thephoto-active formulation assembly being operable to dispense aphoto-activatable formulation from the one or more photo-activatableformulation reservoirs onto one or more regions of a biological surface;and a photo-dose assembly operably coupled to the photo-activeformulation assembly, the photo-dose assembly including: at least oneilluminator oriented and configured to provide focused electromagneticenergy onto one or more focal regions of a biological surface, thefocused electromagnetic energy of a character and for a durationsufficient to photo-activate the photo-activatable formulation dispensedfrom the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs; a lightring disposed proximate the dispenser portion and positioned so that thedispenser portion is concentric with the light ring; and at least onewaveguide structure optically coupled to the light ring and configuredto transmit the focused electromagnetic energy from the at least oneilluminator to the light ring, and wherein the light ring is configuredto emit the focused electromagnetic energy out of the applicator device.2. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the photo-activeformulation assembly includes at least one replaceable formulationcartridge.
 3. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the photo-activeformulation includes at least one of photo-active polymers, photo-activeoligomers, photo-active monomers, or cross-linkable polymers.
 4. Theapplicator device of claim 1, wherein the photo-active formulationassembly includes one or more photo-curable materials.
 5. The applicatordevice of claim 1, wherein the photo-dose assembly includes a pluralityof waveguide structures.
 6. The applicator device of claim 1, whereinthe dispenser portion includes a roller assembly for dispensing thephoto-activatable formulation onto the one or more regions of thebiological surface.
 7. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein thephoto-dose assembly is configured to modify a spectral parameter basedon information indicative of a photo-curing composition type.
 8. Theapplicator device of claim 7, wherein the spectral parameter includesone or more of a wavelength of the focused electromagnetic energy, anintensity of the focused electromagnetic energy, or a duration of thefocused electromagnetic energy.
 9. The applicator device of claim 1,wherein the photo-active formulation assembly dispenses thephoto-activatable formulation from the one or more photo-activatableformulation reservoirs onto the one or more regions of a biologicalsurface at a rate commensurate with a photo-curing rate.
 10. Theapplicator device of claim 1, wherein the focused electromagnetic energyis selected based on the photo-activatable formulation in the one ormore photo-activatable formulation reservoirs.
 11. The applicator deviceof claim 1, wherein the focused electromagnetic energy compriseselectromagnetic energy at a plurality of wavelengths, and wherein theplurality of wavelengths are operable to photo-activate a plurality ofcoatings of photo-activatable formulations.
 12. The applicator device ofclaim 1, wherein the photo-active formulation assembly includes at leastone photo-activatable formulation nebulizer.
 13. The applicator deviceof claim 1, wherein the at least one illuminator includes alight-emitting diode (LED) including at least one of III-V semiconductormaterials or III-N semiconductor materials optically coupled to the atleast one waveguide structure to transmit the focused electromagneticenergy through the at least one waveguide structure.
 14. The applicatordevice of claim 13, wherein photo-active formulation includes across-linkable polymer and wherein the LED is configured to emit thefocused electromagnetic energy sufficient to crosslink thecross-linkable polymer.
 15. The applicator device of claim 1, whereinthe at least one illuminator includes at least one light-emitting diode(LED), and wherein there is one LED per waveguide structure.
 16. Theapplicator device of claim 15, wherein there are six LEDs and sixwaveguide structures, evenly spaced around a circumference of theapplicator device, which extend along a length of the applicator deviceto transfer the focused electromagnetic energy to the light ring. 17.The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the light ring is positionedso at least some of the focused electromagnetic energy radiates directlyfrom the light ring to the biological surface.